If you’re in a “can’t work need money” type difficult situation, you may feel your options are limited. You may not be sure where to turn to make money, especially if you’re not quite to retirement age.
Here is an option to consider: the Social Security Disability program, which pays you benefits if you can prove that you are unable to work and make money. Consider your options if you meet the following requirements.
Requirements to Apply for Social Security Disability
You must be able to prove that you are suffering from a totally disabling condition.
Disability is defined by SocialSecurity.Gov as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to last for a continuous period of more than 12 months.
Below is a list of impairments for each major body system that would qualify.
- Musculoskeletal System
- Special Senses and Speech
- Respiratory Disorders
- Cardiovascular System
- Digestive System
- Genitourinary Disorders
- Hematological Disorders
- Skin Disorders
- Endocrine Disorders
- Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems
- Neurological Disorders
- Mental Disorders
- Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
- Immune System Disorders
If your medical condition does not qualify you for immediate approval, you’ll need to prove that there is no job you can perform full-time. You may also be approved for disability if you can show that your condition will make you miss too much work.
What About Work Credits?
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits you must have held qualifying employment for a certain period of time. Qualifying employment means employment in which you paid into the Social Security System.
The Social Security Administration awards up to four work credits each year, based on your total yearly wages. The amount of credits needed depends on your age and change from year to year.
For example, someone who is 50 years old would need a total of 28 credits. Which means you must have worked and paid into Social Security for seven years.
Talk To Us About Your Options to Make Money While Unable to Work
We get it. It’s frustrating if you can’t work and need money! We also know that applying for disability benefits and understanding work credits can be difficult, especially because your age will impact the amount of work credits needed to qualify.
Still have questions about whether you would qualify for social security disability? Contact us today! We have experts ready to review your case and determine the best next steps moving forward. Let’s see if you qualify for Social Security benefits.